The IDF, or, Israel Defense Forces, is the national military force of the State of Israel and consists of the Israeli Ground Force, the Israeli Air Force, and the Israeli Navy.
The IDF is headed by the Chief of Staff, who holds the rank of Lieutenant General and is the only active officer who does so. The current chief of staff is Herzi Halevi.
The IDF was formally established in May 1948 after the creation of the Jewish State, and it encompassed the three paramilitary groups that existed prior to the state - the Hagana, the Irgun, and the Stern Gang (Lehi).
Since the formation of the IDF, it has participated in six major wars including the War of Independence, the Six Day War, the Sinai War, the Yom Kippur War, and the first and second Lebanon Wars. Other operations include Operation Cast Lead, Operation Pillar of Defense, Operation Protective Edge, Operation Guardian of the Walls, and Operation Swords of Iron.
Conscription to the IDF is mandatory for both men and women over the age of 18, with women in non-combat positions serving for two years, and women in combat positions, and men, regardless of position, have a mandatory service of two years and eight months.
In addition to regular military duties and activities, the IDF responds to national emergencies or crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides personnel to carry out work alongside the civilian population.
Sources indicate that the IDF is under instructions from the cabinet to wait and see what Hezbollah will do next before making a major move.
During the IDF's operational activity in Rafah earlier this week, four IDF soldiers were killed in a building explosion.
In recognition of his sacrifice and to honor his memory, it is time for Israel to open the gates and bring the descendants of the Tribe of Manasseh home at last.
Following a Hezbollah rocket attack, wounding eight, IAF targets and destroys multiple terror facilities used by the organization in southern Lebanon.
Nasrallah says devices blasts are a 'declaration of war' • Israel thwarts Iranian plot to assassinate Netanyahu, Gallant, and Shin Bet chief
The possibility that the message was sent out by Iranian officials has been undergoing examination, as the IDF denied that they sent out the message.
Shimon's brother, Guy, said in conversation with Ynet, "He was the most perfect kid you could imagine. A charming guy, handsome, with a heart of gold.
"Thank you for being the most perfect brother to your sisters, the most perfect son, and the best of friends," Bakri's father said.
Unit 8200 is the equivalent of the US National Security Agency or Britain's GCHQ and is the largest single military unit in the Israel Defense Forces.
In the same incident where Toaff was killed, two other fighters from the battalion and paramedic Staff Sergeant Agam Naim also lost their lives.
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